Cricket

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Eye Olympic Glory as Cricket Returns to Games in 2028Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have bid farewell to international T20 cricket, but their journey is far from over. The duo, along with head coach Rahul Dravid, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where a surprising revelation emerged.Dravid hinted that Kohli and Sharma could represent India in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where cricket will make its much-anticipated return after a 128-year absence. The shortest format of the game will be featured in the Olympics.Kohli's reaction to Dravid's suggestion was priceless, as he couldn't help but laugh. However, Dravid remained confident, stating, "I am confident that the BCCI and the players and the coaches at that time will be prepared. I am confident that from this team, a lot of people will be part of the team."Dravid emphasized the significance of winning an Olympic gold medal, saying, "Winning a gold in the Olympics is a great matter of pride and happiness. We need to fully prepare for that."Kohli and Sharma, who will continue playing T20 cricket in the Indian Premier League, have shifted their focus to ODI and Test cricket on the international stage. However, the prospect of representing India in the Olympics has undoubtedly sparked their interest.The return of cricket to the Olympics is a major development for the sport, and it will provide a unique opportunity for cricketers to showcase their skills on a global stage. Kohli and Sharma, with their immense experience and talent, could play a pivotal role in India's quest for Olympic glory.

Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup 2024 journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa. Despite a disappointing run-up to the final, Kohli's 76-run knock proved pivotal in India's victory.In a candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli revealed his lack of confidence before the final. He admitted to struggling with his form and even expressed his concerns to then-head coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli attributed his poor performance to arrogance, stating that he had lost respect for the game."Whenever you feel like 'I can do it,' it's just the arrogance speaking," Kohli said. "If your ego comes up, the game goes away from you. Sometimes, it's important to let that arrogance go off."Dravid and India captain Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in motivating Kohli. They encouraged him to focus on the present and give his all for the team. Kohli's mindset shift paid dividends in the final, as he played a composed and responsible innings."We lived each ball at the end, we can't explain what was going on inside," Kohli said. "We lost hope at one moment, then Hardik took a wicket and then with each ball, we got the energy. I am happy that I was able to contribute to the team in such a big game after a tough time."Kohli's match-winning performance not only secured India's victory but also marked the end of his T20I career. He passed on the baton to the next generation, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and determination.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently bid farewell to his role as head coach of Team India. During his tenure, Dravid emphasized the importance of continuity and stability within the team, while also striving to be a supportive figure for captain Rohit Sharma.Dravid's coaching stint culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados, where they defeated South Africa to lift the trophy for the second time since 2007. Reflecting on his time as coach, Dravid expressed his belief in the value of continuity, stating that excessive chopping and changing can create instability and hinder team development."I'm someone who actually likes continuity and don't like to chop and change too many things because I believe that creates a lot of instability and doesn't create very good environment," Dravid said.Dravid also highlighted the importance of fostering a positive and supportive environment within the team, where players feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves. He emphasized the need to create a safe and secure atmosphere that encourages growth and development."I feel that I am a part of the team whose responsibility is to create the right professional, safe, secure environment that doesn't really have a fear of failure as such but is challenging enough to push people. That has always been my endeavour," Dravid said.During his tenure, Dravid faced the challenge of managing a large number of captains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and injuries. He worked with five or six different captains in the first eight to ten months of his coaching stint, which he described as an unexpected but organic development.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved notable successes, including a Test series victory over England at home and reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The pandemic, while posing challenges, also provided opportunities for young players to gain experience in the international arena."The other thing that happened, which was very nice to see is, because we played so much of cricket after Covid and we had to cram in a lot of series, it meant that we had to almost, at times, have two teams playing at the same time in different parts of the world," Dravid said.Dravid's relationship with Indian stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dates back to his playing days. He expressed his admiration for Sharma's growth as a leader and his contributions to the team. He also praised Kohli's professionalism and unwavering desire to improve."I've really enjoyed working with Rohit, someone I knew as a young boy. Just to see him grow as a person and grow as a leader in Indian cricket, what someone like him has been able to contribute to the team over the last 10-12 years, both as a player and now as a leader, has been a real tribute to him and the effort that he's put in," Dravid said.Dravid emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely on results. He believed that by creating a positive and supportive environment, and by focusing on the fundamentals of the game, the team would ultimately achieve success."For me that's (results), of course it's important. I keep saying and people think, 'Oh, I think result are not important'. Of course, results are important," Dravid said."I'm in the business to produce results. But it's always like, as a coach, to think about what is it that I can control to help the results and at the end of the day our responsibility should be to try and help the captain deliver his vision and his philosophy of how he wants the team to play."Dravid's departure from the coaching role marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His legacy will be defined by his emphasis on continuity, stability, and the development of a positive and supportive team environment.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team head coach, recently reflected on his tenure with the team, sharing his experiences and insights in a heartfelt video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Dravid, who had a stellar playing career but never won a World Cup, guided India to the top of the Test and ODI rankings during his coaching stint. The icing on the cake was the T20 World Cup title victory in 2022."Coaching is not just about coaching cricket," Dravid said. "It's about building connections with people and creating an environment that allows success." He emphasized the importance of fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where players can thrive without fear of failure.Dravid expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after the World Cup triumph. "I've really enjoyed working with Rohit," he said. "To see him grow as a person and a leader has been a real tribute to him."He also praised Virat Kohli, who also retired from T20Is, for his professionalism and commitment. "His desire to improve is simply fascinating for me to watch," Dravid said.Reflecting on his coaching journey, Dravid highlighted the connections he built with the players and staff. "The friendships that I've built will last long after I forget some of the good results and bad results," he said.Dravid's tenure was marked by both successes and setbacks. He acknowledged that not all results were favorable, but emphasized that they are part and parcel of being a coach."I've really enjoyed myself," Dravid said. "I loved connecting with the team and the players. I've got to know them a little more, personally, and it's been quite fantastic."Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir is reportedly set to succeed Dravid as the Indian team coach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the triumphant Indian T20 World Cup-winning team in New Delhi on Thursday, where star batter Virat Kohli shared his insights on his remarkable performance in the tournament.Kohli, who was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning 76-run knock in the final, had endured a lean patch before the title clash, scoring just 75 runs in the tournament. However, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most, guiding India to victory in Barbados.During his interaction with PM Modi, Kohli expressed his gratitude to head coach Rahul Dravid for his unwavering faith in him, even when his confidence was at its lowest. "I told Rahul Dravid bhai that I hadn't done justice to the team and myself so far," Kohli revealed. "But he told me that when the opportunity arrives, I am sure you will perform."Kohli admitted that he lacked confidence before the final, but a blistering start with three boundaries in the first over gave him a much-needed boost. "I told Rohit [Sharma] that I don't have enough confidence," he said. "But when I got those boundaries, I felt like something was happening."With India losing early wickets in the final, Kohli's focus shifted to surrendering himself to the team's cause. "My only focus was to surrender myself to the team and focus on what's best for the team," he said. "I felt that I was thrown into the situation. It's hard to explain the feeling. Some things are bound to happen."Kohli's match-winning knock was a fitting end to a tournament that had been a rollercoaster of emotions for him. "It was a fairytale end for me in the tournament," he said. "Especially with the way I batted after India had lost early wickets."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli emphasized that he will continue to play the longer formats. "I am still hungry to play for India in Tests and ODIs," he said. "I want to contribute to the team's success in any way I can."

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach has been a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados. However, the journey was not without its setbacks, including the disappointing loss in the ODI World Cup final.After the ODI World Cup defeat, Dravid's future as head coach was uncertain. But a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma changed everything. Sharma urged Dravid to continue until the T20 World Cup, a gesture that deeply moved the former Indian cricketer."I wasn't sure if I was going to continue after the 50-Over World Cup," Dravid said. "But for Rohit to pick up the phone and say, 'Rahul, let's have one more crack at it,' was one of the best phone calls I've received in my life."Dravid's decision to stay on proved to be a masterstroke. Under his guidance, India played with renewed determination and resilience, eventually lifting the T20 World Cup trophy. The victory was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude."These boys are like family," Dravid said. "Their level of hard work, resilience, and fighting spirit is incredible. It's been a privilege to coach them."Dravid's admiration for his players was evident in his words. He praised their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to overcome adversity. The coach-player bond was a key factor in India's success.As Dravid reflects on his time with the team, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated individuals. He also acknowledges the unwavering support of the Indian fans, who played a vital role in the team's triumph."What we've seen today is absolutely phenomenal," Dravid said. "The love of these people and fans is what makes cricket the greatest game in the world."

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing India head coach, left an unforgettable mark on his final day at work by assigning a special task to star batter Virat Kohli. Amidst the celebrations of India's T20 World Cup triumph, Dravid reminded Kohli of his unfinished business: winning the World Test Championship Final."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to the limited-overs global trophies (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy) that Kohli has already collected. The "red" trophy represents the World Test Championship Final, which India has lost twice.Kohli, who retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup victory, smiled at Dravid's words. The 51-year-old coach, who was appointed in 2021, ended his tenure with this event.India's T20 World Cup triumph was their second overall, after their inaugural title in 2007. In the ODI format, India has won the 1983 and 2011 World Cups, along with the 2013 Champions Trophy.The congratulatory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, whose spectacular catch to dismiss David Miller proved crucial in the final. Yadav expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of the achievement.Pacer Arshdeep Singh showcased polaroid shots taken before and after the final, highlighting the transformative power of belief.Due to Hurricane Beryl, the Indian team is currently stranded in Barbados. The team is expected to return to India on a charter flight.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach came to an end after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid's initial two-year term concluded after the ODI World Cup last year, where India finished as runners-up. However, a call from Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, prompted Dravid to reconsider.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved significant success. They reached the final of the World Test Championship in June 2023 and the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. The pinnacle of their achievements came with the T20 World Cup victory, which Dravid described as a "privilege and a pleasure."Dravid emphasized the importance of teamwork and the support he received from the players and staff. He expressed gratitude for the respect and kindness shown to him and his team. The coach-captain relationship between Dravid and Rohit Sharma was crucial in India's success.During the victory celebrations, Dravid shared a special message with Virat Kohli, who had been a part of India's previous white-ball triumphs. Dravid reminded Kohli of the three "whites" (ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup) they had ticked off and encouraged him to complete the set with the "red" (Test Championship).Dravid's successor is expected to be announced soon. VVS Laxman is currently coaching the second-string side in Zimbabwe, while Gautam Gambhir is considered the frontrunner for the head coach position.

Rahul Dravid's heartfelt farewell speech after India's T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados was a testament to the team's resilience and the sacrifices made by everyone involved. Dravid, who had initially planned to step down after the ODI World Cup heartbreak, was persuaded by skipper Rohit Sharma to continue until the T20 World Cup.Dravid's decision proved to be a masterstroke as India overcame a challenging chase by South Africa to secure a memorable victory. In his speech, Dravid praised the team's fighting spirit and the unwavering support they received from their families and coaches."The comeback the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team, the resilience," Dravid said. "There've been disappointments over the years. We have come close but we have never been able to cross the line, but what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we have put in, the sacrifices that we have made, the whole country is really really proud of each and every one of you and what you have achieved."Dravid also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the players' families and the support staff, who have played a crucial role in their success. "So many of your family is back home. Just think about all the sacrifices each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids to be here in this dressing room today," he said.Dravid expressed his gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his support and guidance as captain. "Ro, thank you so much for making that call to me in November and asking me to continue," he said. "I think it's such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each of you but also to Ro, thanks for the time."Dravid emphasized the importance of teamwork and the collective effort that led to India's triumph. "It's not about any individual, it's about a team," he said. "We have won this as a team, we did everything we could for the last month as a team. It's about all of us."Dravid's speech was a fitting tribute to the team's hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of Indian cricketers.